[Rhemuatismus nodosus. Relationship between joint findings and rheumaserology in chronic polyarthritis]

The clinical course and radiologic and serologic findings are reported in 37 subjects who, during the years 1954 to 1974, had rheumatoid nodules removed and examined histologically. The observations were classified into four groups according to a system similar to that of Steinbrocker. The histological findings were the same in all four groups. In 4 subjects the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was established by the biopsy. In 5 additional patients the histologic examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis. Radiologically the joints of 5 adults were unremarkable while those of 14 subjects had developed slight or moderate changes, and in 18 patients advanced destruction or deformities or ankylosis were present. In instances of marked joint destruction the course of the disease may, spontaneously or after appropriate treatment, become bland. 90% of our patients were seropositive and 10% seronegative. 9 subjects had temporarily low RF serum titers. Serologic data are of value for the differential diagnosis of joint diseases. They are not, however decisive.